JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Out of the more than 20,000 people in the Joint Base San Antonio community, where do I fit in? It’s a question I’ve asked myself several times since I arrived here, and while I know my primary job, I like to think I serve another purpose. It causes me discomfort on…

Posted February 27, 2014 by Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. John Bennett

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — With so many challenges and distractions hitting us every day, it can sometimes be difficult to keep focused and maintain a healthy perspective. Many things can affect your outlook – the daily grind (“Ground Hog Day”), changes in processes and procedures, a different work environment or just knowing it’s your turn…

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — As a child, a close relative of mine committed suicide. In those days, mental health was only discussed in hushed tones and little support was available. I was shaped by this experience and in my military career, I have tried to create an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their problems and…

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho — Within the military, we are expected to put the needs of the service before our own. Often this means spending significant time not only away from loved ones, but the places we call home as well. The Air Force however, offers a program which enables us to have…

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In a speech at the Cooper Union in New York City on Feb. 27, 1860, President Abraham Lincoln said, “Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.” He called to all…

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) — Death is a subject that all too often no one wants to talk about until there is no option. Usually we only discuss it when confronted with death due to the loss of a family member, friend or co-worker. We are a unique group of people here. We face death…

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFNS) — I’m sure by now most people don’t need to be reminded that October is breast cancer awareness month. How could you have missed it? With all the ribbons, “Save the Ta-Tas” T-shirts, bracelets, earrings, shoe laces and other pink doodads it’s fairly hard to forget. Don’t get…

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — A few years ago I was asked to speak at a Memorial Day ceremony for a retirement community in St. Petersburg, Fla. I am not sure why I was asked, as I certainly did not feel qualified to speak to a crowd of proud veterans on Memorial Day. I am…

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — It’s almost that time of year when most of us will commit to reforming a habit, lifestyle or just change our lives for the better. It starts when we take a critical look at ourselves and determine what we can do, or stop doing, to make the improvements we desire. These…

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